President Muhammmadu Buhari and Moroccan King Mohammed VI have expressed deep concerns about violent extremism, terrorism and the persistence of security threats in Africa.
They affirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in efforts to combat radicalization in Africa and beyond.
This was contained in a joint communiqué released on Monday following Buhari’s two-day visit to Morocco.
Both leaders, in the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan, underscored their commitment to moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, as taught by Islam.
Senior Special Assistant to President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu in a statement, said his boss, on the invitation of King Mohammed VI, undertook his first visit to Morocco, on June 10 and 11, 2018.
He said the visit reinforced the positive bilateral relationship between Morocco and Nigeria since the Royal Visit to Abuja in December 2016.
Shehu said both leaders affirmed their will to create a model of South-South cooperation.
He stated: “In this spirit, they welcomed the significant progress made in various areas of cooperation, such as agriculture, fertilizer production, energy infrastructure and mining.
“His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Buhari noted with satisfaction the milestones achieved and underscored their commitment to the Regional Gas Pipeline, which will connect Nigeria’s gas resources, those of some West African countries and Morocco, thereby fostering integration and development of countries in the West African region.
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“The two Heads of State also noted progress made in other areas of the bilateral cooperation, as evidenced by the Agreement between OCP of Morocco and the Fertilizer Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria to invest in Fertilizer Production; and the Memorandum of Understanding between OCP and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority on the establishment of a Basic Chemicals Platform, specifically to develop a significant Ammonia Production Plant.
“On the basis of their exemplary cooperation, the two Heads of State agreed to develop a partnership in the field of agriculture, particularly through the signing of Cooperation Agreement on vocational training and technical supervision.
“On regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern, His Majesty King Mohammed VI and His Excellency President Buhari confirmed their willingness to consult and coordinate the positions of the two countries in regional and international organizations, including the African Union.
“His Excellency President Buhari congratulated His Majesty King Mohammed VI on Morocco’s election to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. He also congratulated His Majesty the King on the successful completion of his mandate as African Leader on Migration Issues, which culminated in the presentation of the African Agenda for Migration and the creation of the African Observatory on Migration. He also paid tribute to the personal commitment of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to sustainable development in Africa.
“His Majesty King Mohammed VI congratulated His Excellency President Buhari for his leadership in the regional initiative against terrorism in the Lake Chad region and commended his efforts in the fight against corruption and his role as the African Union anti-corruption champion.”
Shehu said after the working visit, Buhari, on behalf of his delegation, expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality of King Mohammed VI, the government and the brotherly people of Morocco.
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